chathttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/4273/all
enSkype Group Video Calls Now Free on Mac, More Platforms to Followhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/skype_group_video_calls_now_free_mac_more_platforms_follow
<!--paging_filter--><p class="p1"><img src="/files/u297092/skype.jpg" width="620" height="290" /></p><p class="p1">Skype has long offered video call capabilities for more than two users on Mac (and PC) — but only when at least one had a paid Premium subscription plan in effect. Now, the company has eased that restriction, making group calling available free as of today to all computer users, along with those on Xbox One.</p><p class="p1">And iOS users may be next to be added to that list. Skype’s <a href="http://blogs.skype.com/2014/04/28/skype-loves-bringing-groups-together-with-free-group-video-calling/">blog post on the matter</a> promises that “in the future, we’ll be enabling group video calling for all our users across more platforms — at no cost,” writes Phillip Snalune, general manager of consumer product marketing at Skype.</p><p class="p1">As of now, Skype users on mobile devices are able to join group chats, but not begin any themselves. It’ll be interesting to see if today’s news signals a move to make group chat fully usable on iPhone and iPad. In addition to group video calling, group screen sharing is also free on Mac, adding another helpful wrinkle to the basic Skype experience.</p><p class="p1">Now that both Google Hangouts and Skype offer free group video chats, we’re really curious to see how Apple reacts with FaceTime. Group chat is still lacking from the iOS and Mac service, but we can’t imagine that Apple will rest on that point for long with Skype hinting at mobile enhancements.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/skype_group_video_calls_now_free_mac_more_platforms_follow#commentsNewschatcommunicationInternet and CommunicationsMacMicrosoftskypevideo callsMacMon, 28 Apr 2014 23:00:16 +0000Andrew Hayward19847 at http://www.maclife.comFireChat Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/firechat_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Anyone who’s ever been stuck at a nightclub, concert, or sporting event with spotty wireless connectivity knows the frustration of being unable to ping friends or family waiting nearby. That no longer has to be the case thanks to FireChat, a free messaging app for iPhone that takes advantage of the Multipeer Connectivity framework introduced with iOS 7. This service allows nearby devices to discover and communicate with each other using peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, even in areas where an Internet connection is unavailable.</p><p>To test this theory, we installed FireChat on an iPhone 5s and iPad Air (which is compatible, but not in full-screen). After disabling cellular connectivity and forgetting our local Wi-Fi connection, we launched the app and entered a username on both. The devices instantly recognized each other, and we were able to chat and even send photos back and forth.</p><p><img src="/files/u338318/2014/03/firechat.png" width="620" height="548" /></p><p>Although FireChat could be considered a poster child for minimalism, its feature set is entirely too basic compared to most mobile chat apps. Everything happens within two tabs: Everyone, a noisy shotgun blast of exchanges going on around the globe, and Nearby, where conversations are private between one or more devices within a 30-foot range (there’s also no limit to the number of users in a group chat). There are also settings for changing the username or toggling off push notifications for Nearby messages, plus a variety of options to share conversations with others. On the plus side, no traditional login or password is needed, and FireChat keeps the conversation going even while seamlessly moving off or onto the grid.</p><p>FireChat feels like sorcery the first time you use it, but the gimmick soon wears off. New messages and notifications lack sound, so it’s easy to miss important missives. The app also prompted a random crash of the iPhone 5s used for the review—the first we’ve seen since installing iOS 7.1.</p><p><strong>The bottom line.</strong> FireChat works as advertised, but out of the gate, the app is more proof of concept rather than a truly useful communication tool.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/firechat/id719829352?mt=8" target="_blank">FireChat 1.2</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Open Garden, Inc. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.opengarden.com" target="_blank">www.opengarden.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 7.0 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Internet-free, peer-to-peer chat between iOS devices. Unlimited groups within 30-foot range. No login or password required. Minimal impact to battery life.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Limited feature set. No native iPad support. Lacks sound for incoming messages. Slow transfer times for photos.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/firechat_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeAppschatFireChatiPod and iPhonemessagingSoftwareTextingiPhoneiPodWed, 26 Mar 2014 19:01:31 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19626 at http://www.maclife.comFireChat Promises Internet-Free Chat Between iOS Deviceshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/firechat_promises_internetfree_chat_between_ios_devices
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/firechat_620px.png" alt="FireChat" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Mobile chat services are great, until you don't have an internet connection and the conversation goes dark. That's where FireChat could potentially come in, tapping into the power of iOS 7 to offer chat with other users near and far.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id719829352?mt=8" target="_blank">Open Garden announced the release of FireChat today</a>, a new iPhone app that offers a unique messaging experience which allows users to connect with others in the same building or halfway around the world.<br /><br />While any chat app worth its salt can communicate using an active internet connection, FireChat taps into the new Multipeer Connectivity Framework introduced with iOS 7, allowing an internet-free chat experience for groups of users within the same space.<br /><br />For example, FireChat could be used in a crowded environment where traditional Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity is spotty or absent entirely using its own peer-to-peer network. Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (despite not being a native build), FireChat aims to make chatting with another person or an entire group easy and fun, even when you're off the grid.<br /><br />“We may think that we depend on the Internet for everything. FireChat proves that it’s not always the case," said Open Garden CEO Micha Benoliel. “Thanks to the Multipeer Connectivity Framework introduced in iOS 7, we are now able to deliver a best-&shy;in-&shy;class peer-&shy;to-&shy;peer chat experience to anyone with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch."<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id719829352?mt=8" target="_blank">FireChat</a> is available now as a free download from the App Store and requires iOS 7.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author,<a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank"> J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/firechat_promises_internetfree_chat_between_ios_devices#commentsNewsApp StorecellularchatchattingFireChatfree appsgroup chatInternetiOS 7Open Gardenpeer-to-peerWi-FiiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 20 Mar 2014 13:10:14 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19587 at http://www.maclife.comApple Reported to Start Charging for Chat Support for Out-of-Warranty Productshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_reported_start_charging_chat_support_outofwarranty_products
<!--paging_filter--><p>In the past, Apple has at least allowed customers to chat about out-of-warranty products via its online support sections, but in the future, <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/02/28/apple-will-soon-charge-for-out-of-warranty-online-chat-support-schedule-repairs-via-new-web-payment-system/" target="_blank">9to5Mac</a> reports, it's (usually) going to cost you. The push for paid chat support is part of a larger effort by Apple to bring other features to its online services, such as the ability to pay for product repairs and replacements over the Internet.</p><p>It's actually not as big of a change as it sounds. Apple already charges fees over the phone for support for out-of-warranty products not covered by AppleCare; the new rules would merely extend that policy to chat services as well. At least it's cheaper. Phone assistance can cost you anywhere from $29 to $49, whereas chatting over the Internet will only cost you $19.99. Details aren't clear, but apparently chatters will be able to request an exemption from the fee as well.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/02/online-paid-chat-support.jpg" width="620" height="372" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/02/28/apple-will-soon-charge-for-out-of-warranty-online-chat-support-schedule-repairs-via-new-web-payment-system/" target="_blank">9to5Mac</a></strong></p><p>As stated above, the new system will also allow you to pay for repairs through the support site. In 9to5Mac's words, "we're told Apple plans to offer the ability to set up hardware repairs via chat that require a hold on a credit card or pay per incident fee. Rather than having to call in, users will be sent a link that's live for 24 hours in order to complete the payment."</p><p>The fees have technically been around since Apple <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/redesigned_applecare_website_rolling_out_247_chat" target="_blank">overhauled its customer service to support chat 24/7</a>, but reportedly they've never been enforced since Apple never officially launched the new paid service. That may change as early as next week, though, but Apple will still allegedly exempt any chats about iCloud issues or reports of accidental damage in which customers ask for repairs or replacements through chat.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_reported_start_charging_chat_support_outofwarranty_products#commentsNewsappleAppleCarechatCustomer ServiceiPadiphoneiPod touchMacsupportFri, 28 Feb 2014 23:47:31 +0000Leif Johnson19457 at http://www.maclife.comBBM 2.0 Delivers Voice, Skype Text Chat Finally Gets into Synchttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/bbm_20_delivers_voice_skype_text_chat_finally_gets_sync
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/bbm_2.0_620px.png" alt="BBM 2.0" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Thursday wound up being a busy day for mobile messaging apps as BBM hit version 2.0 with voice chat in tow and Skype finally managed to get a handle on syncing text-based chat across multiple devices.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.blackberry.com/2014/02/bbm-2-update/?CPID=SOC_C_WW_TW1392298465" target="_blank">BlackBerry announced the release of BBM 2.0 on Thursday</a>, a big update for iPhone and Android devices that enables mobile devices to make free calls to each other over any available data connection.<br /><br />BBM Voice is already a key feature of BlackBerry 10 handsets, but now those users can call their iPhone and Android toting friends (and vice versa) from anywhere in the world over a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.<br /><br />BBM 2.0 also introduces Channels, which allow BBM users to chat with others on a wide range of topics including products, hobbies and sports (to name but a few). The service now also includes location sharing powered by Glympse, Dropbox integration and the ability to share a photo, voice note or file with other BBM contacts.<br /><br />Meanwhile, over in the Skype camp, the Microsoft-owned service <a href="http://blogs.skype.com/2014/02/13/skypes-enhanced-chat-experience/" target="_blank">appears to have finally grappled with issues</a> that kept text-based chat messages out of sync -- for example, seeing a message marked as read on one device, but unread on another.<br /><br />"Now you can have peace of mind that your friends will receive messages even if they’re not on Skype at the time you hit 'send,' and, if you’ve read a Skype message on your phone, it’ll show as 'read' when you check your messages on your laptop later in the evening," the blog post notes.<br /><br />Skype's chat sync changes don't appear to require downloading a new update for iOS, but BBM 2.0 is now available to download from the App Store.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/bbm_20_delivers_voice_skype_text_chat_finally_gets_sync#commentsNewsApp StorebbmblackberryBlackBerry MessengerChannelschatDropboxMicrosoftskypeSynctext chatvoice chatiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 14 Feb 2014 12:54:39 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19328 at http://www.maclife.comSouthwest Airlines Now Offers iMessage Pass for $2 Per Dayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/southwest_airlines_now_offers_imessage_pass_2_day
<!--paging_filter--><p>It wasn't that long ago that having Wi-Fi on an airplane felt impossibly futuristic, but as the program settles into maturity, airlines have begun expanding their offerings to cater to specific passengers' needs. One of the most intriguing examples comes from Southwest Airlines, reports <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/11/southwest-airlines-offering-in-flight-imessaging-for-2-per-day/" target="_blank">MacRumors</a>, which is now offering iOS users the chance to spend $2.00 to send iMessages throughout the flight if they don't want to spend the eight bucks needed for the full-access Wi-Fi services.</p><p>In the words of Southwest, "Any Apple user that has iOS 5 or later with the iMessage feature pre-loaded on their device can take advantage of this option. Now you can stay powered up and connected to friends and family like you never left the ground."</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/12/imessagesouthwest.jpg" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/11/southwest-airlines-offering-in-flight-imessaging-for-2-per-day/" target="_blank">MacRumors</a></strong></p><p>The idea is to grant access to users who're only interested in chatting with friends or business colleagues during the flight rather than surfing the web. As such, it seems like an unspoken way of getting around the growing demand for <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/fcc_considers_allowing_voice_calls_cellular_data_use_flights" target="_blank">phone calls in flight </a>in the wake of the<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/faa_officially_loosens_restrictions_iphone_and_ipad_use_during_flights" target="_blank"> loosened FAA regulations </a>without letting certain passengers ruin the flight for everyone else by yakking the entire time.</p><p>Keep in mind that you can't find Wi-Fi on every Southwest flight, but the airline does offer a <a href="http://www.southwest.com/wifi/" target="_blank">Wi-Fi finder</a> on its website so you can see if you can take advantage of the offer the next time you travel the popular airline. And remember--just spend the full eight bucks, and you'll get access to iMessages <em>and </em>the Internet as a whole.</p><p><em> <em>Follow this article's writer,<a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">&nbsp;Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/southwest_airlines_now_offers_imessage_pass_2_day#commentsNewsairlinesairplaneschatflightiMessageiOS 7iPadiphonetravelThu, 12 Dec 2013 01:17:44 +0000Leif Johnson18846 at http://www.maclife.comForthcoming Ping App Promises to Unite Email and Instant Messaginghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/forthcoming_ping_app_promises_unite_email_and_instant_messaging
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ping_app_620px.png" alt="Ping app" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Despite efforts to reinvent traditional email with the likes of Gmail and Mailbox, users are stuck with pretty much the same experience in the end. But a new app called Ping hopes to change all that.<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/5/4694568/ping-for-iphone-app-does-merging-email-and-instant-messaging-make-sense" target="_blank"><br />The Verge reported Thursday</a> that a new iPhone app named Ping will debut on September 18 and promises to combine email with instant messaging in a "fascinating and useful new way."<br /><br />Despite the unfortunate name that immediately brings up bitter memories of Apple's failed social network for music, the teaser video for the Ping app certainly looks promising enough, with a conversation-style inbox that shows a list of names while the subject lines are hidden. It also uses a variety of email services including iCloud, unlike competitors like Mailbox, which remains a Gmail client for now.<br /><br />While communicating with users who aren't using Ping, the app can only do so much to disguise that it's just an email client, but when both users are part of the Ping service, boring emails become more like instant messaging, complete with read receipts, typing indicators and MMS-style attachments. Ping also integrates video and voice chat as well.<br /><br />Despite all of these advancements, the report concludes that Ping is "a bit rough around the edges, doesn't always sync reliably, and isn't as fast as Mailbox," but real email junkies will probably want to <a href="http://pingapp.com" target="_blank">head to the company's website</a> and enter their mobile number to reserve a place in line to try it out anyway.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73528012?byline=0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/73528012">Ping - Your email. Reimagined.</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/pingapp">Ping</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/forthcoming_ping_app_promises_unite_email_and_instant_messaging#commentsNewsApp Storechatcoming soonEmailemail accountGmailinstant messagingMailboxnew appsPingReservationsiPhoneFri, 06 Sep 2013 11:42:37 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17972 at http://www.maclife.comRedesigned AppleCare Website Rolling Out with 24/7 Chathttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/redesigned_applecare_website_rolling_out_247_chat
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/applecare_website_redesign_620px.png" alt="Contact Apple Support" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>What can we help you with? As rumored earlier this month, Apple's AppleCare support website gets a fresh, new, finger-friendly look complete with live chat support at any time of the day or night.<br /><a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/26/apple-launches-more-intuitive-applecare-support-website-247-chat-support/" target="_blank"><br />9to5Mac reported Monday</a> that Apple has redesigned its AppleCare website to make it easier to navigate and use, regardless of which Apple product you're using.<br /><br />For example, selecting a specific product category such as iPhone guides the user to find the best support topic for their issue, then offers the new chat option in addition to the traditional telephone or in-store Genius Bar choices.<br /><br />The AppleCare revamp was rumored earlier this month, but if you're not seeing it yet, don't panic: Apparently, Apple is doing a gradual rollout including 24/7 chat support, so if you're still seeing the older AppleCare website, check back in a few days.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/redesigned_applecare_website_rolling_out_247_chat#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple servicesApple SupportAppleCarechatcustomer supportGenius Barlive chatredesignwebsitesiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 27 Aug 2013 13:11:38 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17881 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle Hangouts Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/google_hangouts_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Google+ is a hit-or-miss proposition for many socially connected folks, so the company’s first Hangouts attempt — originally part of the Google+ app — passed by largely unnoticed. Now available as a standalone app, Hangouts appears hell-bent on reinventing the messaging wheel, but winds up leaving too many spokes off to make this a smooth ride.<br /><br />While the free, universal Hangouts app offers cross-platform support between iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and web browsers, it’s really a baby step toward loftier goals, which will eventually include SMS and Google Voice integration. However, both features are currently MIA. The app offers little for those who’ve remained on the Google+ sidelines, since users will be required to sign up before they can communicate.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/05/screen_11.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>For those used to AOL-style instant messaging, Hangouts might feel like touching down on an alien planet. To start a new Hangout, you can select up to 10 Google+ users from the jumbled mess of those in your circles, as well as random folks presumably pulled from your address book. Whether one-on-one or in a group conversation, Hangouts can be used to send photos, message in real time (with optional emoji), or make video calls, where the focus automatically switches to whoever is speaking at a particular moment. This gets pretty amusing when more than one chatty user is on the line at a time.<br /><br />We successfully initiated several one-on-one video calls, graduating to a four-person Hangout with a mix of a third-gen iPad, two iPhones, and an Android-based Verizon Droid DNA thrown in for good measure. Hangouts completely crashed on us at one point, but relaunching the app and tapping the still-in-progress session got us back in the action without missing a beat. Call us old school, but we miss the traditional IM trappings: There’s no way to see only a list of who’s online, for example, nor can users go offline and leave a status message in their wake. We also weren’t impressed with the picture quality of video calls — it was passable at best, even with a fast Wi-Fi connection.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line</strong>. Hangouts is a nice first step toward unification, but we’re waiting for the promised Google Voice integration before this has the potential to replace our go-to messaging apps.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hangouts/id643496868" target="_blank">Hangouts 1.0.1</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Google </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank">http://www.google.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Free </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 6.1 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Good companion app for heavy Google+ users. Cross-platform chat between iOS, Android, and web. Native iPad support.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>No way to view all online users at once. Requires Google+ account. Video call picture quality passable at best. No SMS or Google Voice integration (yet).</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/google_hangouts_review#commentsGalleryReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifechatGoogleHangoutsIMinstant messagingiPad AppsiPhone and iPodiPod and iPhonereviewsSoftwaresoftwareiPadTue, 21 May 2013 18:01:11 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17046 at http://www.maclife.comJust How Secure is Apple's iMessage? Even the DEA Can't Crack Ithttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/just_how_secure_apples_imessage_even_dea_cant_crack_it
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/imessage_icon_200px.png" alt="iMessage icon" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Now here's a bit of good news for those of you paranoid that the government is peeking into your instant message services: At least one government agency is complaining Apple's iMessage is a tough nut to crack.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57577887-38/apples-imessage-encryption-trips-up-feds-surveillance/" target="_blank">CNET reported Thursday</a> that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is having a tough time eavesdropping on chat messages sent between iMessage users thanks to Apple's encryption.<br /><br />The curious confession is part of an internal DEA document discussing a criminal investigation earlier this year in which the agency admits "it is impossible to intercept iMessages between two Apple devices" -- even after a Federal judge produces a court order approving the procedure.<br /><br />While the DEA nor Apple would comment on the record, it appears the "secure end-to-end encryption" Apple promised when it announced iMessage back in mid-2011 works even better than expected, likely to the chagrin of law enforcement officials.<br /><br />"iMessages between two Apple devices are considered encrypted communication and cannot be intercepted, regardless of the cell phone service provider," the leaked DEA memo notes, while elaborating that exchanges between Apple and non-Apple devices "can sometimes be intercepted, depending on where the intercept is placed."<br /><br />While law enforcement officials' hands may be tied, they're not entirely out of options, which include a special warrant that could allow them to install "keystroke-logging software" in certain cases, or even send "suspect malware" to a user's device to gain control or extract its contents.<br /><br />According to CNET, those extreme measures may not be necessary, however, since Apple's privacy policy clearly states that the iPhone maker may give information about its customers to law enforcement when "reasonably necessary or appropriate" or to "comply with legal process."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/just_how_secure_apples_imessage_even_dea_cant_crack_it#commentsNewsApple Inc.chatDEAencryptioniMessageinstant messaginglaw enforcementtext messagingUS GovernmentiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:43:56 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16647 at http://www.maclife.com8 Apps for Chatting Up Local Strangershttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/8_apps_chatting_local_strangers
<!--paging_filter--><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/03/screen_29.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>Meeting new people isn't as easy as it seems, especially when not in a work or school setting where you're required to communicate with others on a regular basis. If you're not the kind of person to hit up the bar and start talking to the first person you see, but have no problem jumping online and chatting with people you've never met, then maybe it's time to find some middle ground between the two approaches. We've collected eight apps that connect you with locals near you who you can talk to. Find some common ground in conversation and maybe you'll meet on common ground for real.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/8_apps_chatting_local_strangers#commentsGalleryAppLifeAppschatconversationiOSiPodiPod and iPhonelocationstrangersiPadThu, 21 Mar 2013 19:29:37 +0000AJ Dellinger16542 at http://www.maclife.comHow to Sync Chat Transcripts with Dropboxhttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_sync_chat_transcripts_dropbox
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u12635/chatlogs_teaser.png" width="150" height="140" class="graphic-right" />Increasingly, we are using more and more devices, and the age-old question of how to sync data around to all of those devices keeps coming up. Today, we’re tackling the question of how to sync your Adium and iChat chat logs to all of your devices so that whatever device you’re using, you’ll always have access to your logs through Dropbox. <br /><br /><strong>Difficulty: </strong>Medium-to-Difficult<br /><br />To sync the chat logs, we’ll create a new folder in Dropbox, and will then copy over the existing chat logs to that folder, and then create a symbolic link so that Adium or iChat correctly points to the new chat log directory in Dropbox. Using this method, it is assumed that you only have one copy of iChat or Adium opened using the Dropbox saved chatlogs at any given time.<br /><br />You’ll repeat this process for each computer you wish to sync your chat logs with (minus the part where we create the folder in Dropbox). As we go along, you may wish to backup your existing chat logs for safekeeping, just on the off-chance that something goes wrong.</p><p>Remember to follow the correct guide below, as iChat and Adium stores chat logs in different locations. Note that if you use both iChat and Adium, then you’ll need to create separate folders in Dropbox: one for iChat logs, and one for Adium logs and complete the tutorial below using those folders. This tutorial assumes that you are using one or the other. <br /><br />To begin, close iChat or Adium, and open your Dropbox folder to create a new folder called “Logs” at the root of the Dropbox folder. This will be the location where all of the synced chat logs will be stored.</p><h3>iChat</h3><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/chatlogs_1.png"><img src="/files/u12635/chatlogs_1.png" width="620" height="420" class="thickbox" /></a></p><p>With the Dropbox &gt; Logs folder opened in the Finder, open a second Finder window and navigate to Home &gt; Documents &gt; iChats. <br /><br />Once there, you’ll see a listing of all the stored iChat/iMessage logs sorted by date. You’ll want to drag these myriad of folders to the Dropbox &gt; Logs folder. Once the copy is complete, delete the iChats folder in your Home &gt; Documents folder, and we’ll create a symbolic link folder to replace the iChats folder and make it use the logs stored in your Dropbox &gt; Logs folder.</p><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/chatlogs_2.png"><img src="/files/u12635/chatlogs_2.png" width="620" height="455" class="thickbox" /></a><br />To do this, open Terminal and type in the follow commands (each followed by the enter key):</p><pre>cd ~/Documents </pre><p>&nbsp;</p><pre>ln -s ~/Dropbox/Logs iChats</pre><p>Once this is complete, you’ll be able to launch iChat/iMessage and have all of your chats synced with Dropbox instead of just stored on your machine locally.</p><h3>Adium</h3><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/chatlogs_3_0.png"><img src="/files/u12635/chatlogs_3_0.png" width="620" height="420" class="thickbox" /></a></p><p>With the Dropbox &gt; Logs folder opened in the Finder, open a second Finder window and press Command + Shift + G, and paste in the following directory path:</p><pre>~/Library/Application Support/Adium 2.0/Users/Default/ </pre><p>After you press “Go,” you’ll see a listing of all the stored Adium preferences, and a folder for “Logs.” Copy the contents of this Adium Logs folder to your Dropbox “Logs” folder, and then remove the “Logs” folder inside of the Default folder for the Adium preferences.</p><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u12635/chatlogs_4.png"><img src="/files/u12635/chatlogs_4.png" width="620" height="378" class="thickbox" /></a><br />Now, open Terminal (located in Applications/Utilities), and type in the following commands (each followed by the Enter key):</p><pre>cd ~/Library/Application\ Support/Adium\ 2.0/Users/Default</pre><pre>ln -s ~/Dropbox/Logs Logs</pre><p>Once this is complete, you’ll be able to launch Adium and have all of your chats synced with Dropbox instead of just stored on your machine locally. When viewing your Chat transcripts, the logs will be loaded from Dropbox instead of locally as well. <br /><br /><em>Cory Bohon is a freelance technology writer, indie Mac and iOS developer, and amateur photographer. <a href="http://twitter.com/coryb" target="_blank">Follow this article's author on Twitter</a>.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_sync_chat_transcripts_dropbox#commentsAdiumchatchat logsDropboxiChatlogginglogsMacmessagesSyncMacHow-TosTue, 08 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000Cory Bohon15902 at http://www.maclife.com5 Best Desktop and Mobile Services For Video Chat http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/5_best_desktop_and_mobile_services_video_chat
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u300425/facetime_views_20110720.png" width="620" height="320" style="border: 0px initial initial;" /></p><p>Now that every computer and device you own is equipped with a webcam, there's really no reason not to video chat with those loved ones that don't get to see you in person all that often. These five apps reflect the best of video chat services--we're sure one of them will suit your needs!</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/5_best_desktop_and_mobile_services_video_chat#commentsGallerychatcommunicationdesktopFaceTimeiOSmessagingskypevideovideo chatFri, 11 May 2012 21:11:52 +0000Ambika Subramony14043 at http://www.maclife.com5 Alternatives to Skype on iOS and Machttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/5_alternatives_skype_ios_and_mac
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/no-skype-620px.jpg" alt="No Skype" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>As you’ve no doubt heard, Microsoft has snapped up popular VoIP developer Skype for a whopping $8.5 billion. If you’re not too fond of your favorite video chat software now being in the hands of the Borg, you’ll be happy to know there are other choices available.<br /><br />It’s hard to believe that Skype has been around less than a decade, with most of that time being spent as under the ownership of another company -- first eBay in 2005, then Silver Lake in 2009. Tuesday marked a new era for the little VoIP company that could, with Microsoft acquiring the company outright for $8.5 billion and big plans to set up its own Skype division in Redmond.<br /><br />As with any such acquisition, there’s a bit of anxiety brewing among longtime users of the Skype service, particularly after the company’s Mac client got an unwelcome, Windows-style update recently. Could worse updates be in store? Here’s a look at a handful of Skype-esque services you might consider if Microsoft doesn’t improve things.</p><p><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/5_alternatives_skype_ios_and_mac#commentsGalleryalternativeschatFaceTimefacetime for macfringNimbuzzskypeTangovideo callingVoxOxiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 10 May 2011 21:59:40 +0000J.R. Bookwalter10913 at http://www.maclife.comValve Announces Cross-Platform Game Play for Portal 2http://www.maclife.com/article/news/valve_announces_crossplatform_game_play_portal_2
<!--paging_filter--><p>Growing up, your toys were cool and you were glad you had them, but your friends always had a cooler toy that you would have killed for. Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises such as Half-Life, Counter-Strike and the Steam online store, appear to have realized this and announced on Tuesday that the the PlayStation 3 version of Portal 2 will include cross platform play capable of communicating with the Mac OS X and Windows versions for multiplayer games, persistent cloud-based storage of saved games, and cross platform chat.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u297418/portal2shot.jpg" width="436" height="349" /></p><p>In addition, those who purchase <a href="http://www.thinkwithportals.com/" target="_blank">Portal 2</a> for the PlayStation 3 will be able to unlock a Steam Play (Mac OS X and Windows) copy of Portal 2 at no additional cost by linking their PlayStation Network and Steam accounts. These features are made possible thru the Steam online store, Valve's platform for the delivery and management of the company's game library.</p><p>Portal 2 is due for release on the PlayStation 3, PC, Mac and Xbox 360 platforms on April 18th, although final system requirements and pricing have yet to be announced.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/valve_announces_crossplatform_game_play_portal_2#commentsNewsApril 18thchatcloudMacOS XPlayStation 3Portal 2SteamValvewindowsXbox 360GamesTue, 18 Jan 2011 21:53:15 +0000Chris Barylick9618 at http://www.maclife.com